A hickey, often known as a love chew, is a bruise brought on by sucking on the pores and skin, sometimes on the neck or different areas of the physique. Hickeys are normally brought on by kissing or sucking on the pores and skin with sufficient pressure to interrupt the small blood vessels beneath. This causes blood to pool underneath the pores and skin, making a bruise.
Hickeys are usually thought-about to be an indication of affection or intimacy. Nonetheless, they may also be seen as a type of abuse, particularly if they’re brought on by pressure or with out consent. In some circumstances, hickeys may also be an indication of a medical situation, comparable to a bleeding dysfunction.